ALLEGED CONSPIRACY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17223, 14 December 1923, Page 12

ALLEGED CONSPIRACY.

AUCTIONEERS IN COURT. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, December 13. Peculiar auctioneering methods were alleged in the Police Court when Clarence Russell, aged thirty-eight, and James Henry Abrahams, aged twentyfour, were charged with having conspired to defraud Jefferson Davis Edwards of £195 and Alexander Percy Young of £193. Two charges of having obatined money by false pretences by representing that it would be returned were also preferred against them. Edwards stated that he went into the Central Auction Alart, Queen Street, where Abrahams asked him to assist in boosting the bidding to advertise the auction. He was assured that his money would be returned after the sale. There was little competition and Abrahams stood at his elbow' urging him to call out bids periodically. A variety of articles, a large part being of the familiar imitation cheap jack quality, were knocked down to him. Edwards paid £6O for alleged silver articles valued later at £5 10s. The total payments amounted to £195 in cheques. When witness asked for his money back accused denied all know-ledge of arrangement for its return. Young gave similar evidence, saying that Abrahams whispered to him : “ The next item will be wristlet watches. I’ll catch your eye for one.” Witness continued: “He caught my eye and it cost me £3.” Witness obtained binoculars worth £2 10s for £3O, and an apparently worthless ring and marble clock for £IOO. Witness paid £245 in cheques and on a refund being refused went to the bank, where lie discovered that cheques amounting to £193 had already been cashed. He stopped payment of the remainder and shortly afterwards received £IOO through the post from Russell without explanation. Another witness said he tendered £5 in payment for a watch bought for £2. He received no change, but a cake of shaving soap, razor and strop, and a pocket wallet were thrust upon him. Accused pleaded not guilty and. reserved their defence. They were committed for trial, bail being allowed at £4OO each.